NYC Council Election: Adriana Aviles Seeks Bayside Seat

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Democratic voters in New York City's 19th Council district, which includes College Point, Whitestone, Malba, Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, North Flushing, and Auburndale, will see 6 names on their ballots when they vote in the June 22 primary election.

One of those names will be Adriana Aviles, a former NYPD officer.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles. Aviles' responses are below.

<b>Age (as of Election Day)</b>

51

<b>Position Sought</b>

NYC Council District 19

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Neighborhood of residence (i.e., East Village, Astoria, etc.)</b>

Douglaston

<b>Family</b>

Raymond husband, Anastasia 13..daughter, Nathaniel 11 ..son, Nicholas 9..son

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No.

<b>Education</b>

Some college.

<b>Occupation</b>

Retired NYPD 20 years

<b>Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office</b>

Community Education Council District 26 President, Community Board 11 member

<b>Campaign website</b>

www.Aviles4nyc.com

<b>Why are you seeking elective office?</b>

I am seeking office to make a positive change for our community for ALL residents, especially our most vulnerable..our seniors and children.

<b>The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

Public Safety is the most pressing issue on all our residents minds..seniors, families..and I intend to work together with our law enforcement to ensure our community continues to be a safe haven for all of us..especially our most vulnerable.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I am the only one who has been and still am..I was just reelected..a member of our local school board, CEC26, as well as a member of the Community Board. I am the ONLY one who can be speak on what it takes to keep our communities safe..I was an officer patrolling for my 20 years and NOT in an office.. while ensuring our officers are working together with ALL our residents. Public Safety and Education are top priorities for our district residents, and I am the ONLY one who is actively a part of those ongoing conversations.

<b>If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)</b>

<b>How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?</b>

Unfortunately I feel our local officials failed our district when it came to the response to the pandemic. Our district has THE highest number of seniors in the CITY, and it was unfortunate the resources and communication was delayed and not properly instituted for our senior population. Pushing for allocation and sharing much needed information in ALL languages to our community members...many in person events across the district..helping set up vaccination appointments...keeping elected offices open for the community outreach... would've been one of my top priorities.

<b>Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.</b>

In my district many seniors are on fixed incomes, and any home owner tax increases would be a burden our seniors would not be able to carry. Our one family homes that families have worked hard to purchase and raise their children, is also under attack with the constant attempts of rezoning. Another issue that a part of my district struggles with, is the lack of budget allocation for clean and safe streets...this would be in College Point. Within our council district we face many crowded schools as well without ample school choice for our families. Many families have moved and continue to do so due to this very issue. Working together with the community, we need to bring new High Schools to our district so that our families do not need to wonder where their children will travel to so they can receive a equitable and a high standard of education.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

Being a retired police officer, current president of the CEC26 as well as a member of the community board, are my past, current and ongoing platforms that STILL show that i am able to handle the job.

<b>The best advice ever shared with me was:</b>

So much advice has been shared to me..especially during campaigning. But staying true to yourself and if you truly believe what you are doing with all your heart, I have been told is the way to move forward.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I just want voters to know I am a passionate advocate. I am transparent and I am about communicating ALL information..whether its good or bad. I also believe everyone should be able to make informed choices for themselves. I believe government has a responsibility to all its constituents to share ALL the information that may effect them BEFORE policy is implemented. Unfortunately our local govt has seen working under the notion that its better to ask for forgiveness, then permission.